Tad Williams

So far I find his story telling and characters rather simplistic. Dialog isn't convincing and lacks a certain intelligence. Maybe, I haven't given him enough of a chance but it gets frustrating when i read a conversations at pivotal moments in the story that just don't feel believable. Nothing compared to the likes of Goerge RR Martin, and steven erikson

Interesting author with great style, but he just must learn to write his novels shorter, because in some moments they are boring.

Great ideas, good style, but too slow-moving for my taste.

War of the Flowers is the best stand-alone book in the genre.

Otherland is pure genius.

His fantasy books are my favorites. Long but solid reads. Otherland is well done also.

Wonderful characters, metaphorical depth that tugs at your soul to live again, Tad Williams is well worth the time of reading. I've read Tailchaser's Song and the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series. I'm now starting War of the Flowers.

One of the best fantasy writers I have encountered (not that I have read that much of the genre). Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn was an incredible series (which had an ending, unlike the Wheel of Time, which will never end). There were situations in that series that would never have been touched upon in a WOT novel, and the female characters aren't mere caricatures or part of the scenery (fantasy seems to be the most sexist genre I have read) but are major players in everything that goes on. JK Rowling also ripped off the whole idea of the hero marked by a streak of white through his otherwise dark and youthful hair from this book. (Rowling seems to have ripped off a hell of a lot of things from a hell of a lot of different sources, actually). As for Williams' other novels, I have only read the first book in the Otherland series, and I was not disappointed. It is not fantasy (more cyberpunk with fantastic elements) but it is incredibly imaginative, kind of like Neal Stephenson but wi... Read more

Perfect reading. It absorbs you in intrincates worlds of magic and fantasy. A must read.

My daughters and I have read our fair share of fantasy novels over the years, and we rank them on a scale of 1 to ten, with Tolkein as the top rated 10. The only other author to get a ten is Tad Williams. Some few reviewers have complained that the books in the series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn start slowly and are too long. After reading many fantasy novels over the years, I think that is exactly what makes this set wonderful. Full character development takes time; complexity of relationships take time; coming of age takes time.

In my opinion needs to establish some more first class work to join the elite such as Modessit, Hobb and Feist.

My friend had to practically force me to read "Memory Sorrow and Thorn," for it must be admitted... I am a literature snob. I am so glad I was forced! I was wholly absorbed and finished that gargantuan set of volumes in record time. I would day Tad could almost compete with Tolkien himself! Such well crafted intricate plots and fascinating understanding of human nature. I was transported and didn't want to come back.

Most likely the best fantasy writer of all time followed closely by father Tolkien. Tad is more versatile to be sure. (Read Otherland, MST, Tailchaser's Song, Child of an Ancient City just to realize this)

The most amazing thing about Williams is the depth of his writing; he quite obviously goes out of his way to expressly tweak, defy, and violate traditional genre conventions, and plays merry havoc with the reader's expectations. There is a level of emotional maturity in his work not found in most fantasy fiction, and his science fiction work has a refreshing emphasis on character (which is often neglected by more fetishistic writers). Oft-overlooked despite his success, Williams really deserves to be on more people's lists.

Better than average fantasy, but only average when compared to science fiction as a whole

I have not read the Otherland series yet, but the Memory, Sorrow & Thorn series is as great as the Lord of the Rings series, if not better. A very mature writer, Williams is EXTREMELY UNDERATED, if you have not read Memory, Sorrow & Thorn yet drop whatever you are doing and READ IT! Seriously, you are missing out on a terrific series!

Tad Williams is honestly one of the best authors ever to write. Not only is his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn book amazing but so is Tail Chaser's Song. Even more than Jordan, Williams deserves number 1.

After slow starts, his books are incredible and I have trouble putting them down.

A great storyteller!! Deserves to be in the top 5 of this list! His innovative philosphy and epic storylines should be read by everyone!!

As I just stated for Eddings, I can't believe these two guys aren't in the top 5 or 10 at least. Williams world of VR entrapment entraps the reader by it's complexity and believability. Renie, !Xabbu, and how can you not be dying to see what happens to Orlando? Great series. And his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, mmm-mmm good. Nothing like that on a cold rainy day to keep you going.